Couple sentenced after 'string of burglaries and knife-point robberies'
Avon and Somerset Police have thanked witnesses and high quality CCTV which led to the pair's sentencing
Last updated 7th Jul 2023
A couple has been sentenced to a combined 10 years following an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police into a string of burglaries and knife-point robberies.
Josh James, who's 33, of no fixed address, and 30 year old Bobbie Reynolds, from Leinster Avenue in Bristol, were sentenced last Friday (June 30) at Bristol Crown Court against their combined 25 offences.
They happened between 18 October last year and 19 March this year.
James was imprisoned for eight years after pleading guilty to 18 offences, including three counts of robbery, nine counts of burglary, one of aggravated burglary and one of being in possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Reynolds who was given a two-year sentence suspended for two years, pleaded guilty to affray, being in possession of a bladed article, battery and four counts of burglary.
She was also ordered to carry out a 40-day rehabilitation requirement and to attend nine months of mental health treatment.
Operation Remedy, who specialise in dealing with burglary and crime series, led the investigation.
The first incident took place in October 2022.
At around 6am, James, in possession of a knife, was challenged by a member of staff for stealing from a shop in Marlborough Street, in Bristol.
The stolen goods were taken back by the member of staff - who wasn't injured during the incident.
James took the knife from Reynolds and lunged at the victim before kicking the door 'numerous times' and fleeing the scene.
A number of incidents then happened in January, February and March - including the case of a man being robbed on three separate occasions where he threatened him with a knife twice and assaulted him on the third occasion.
The pair were known to each other.
James then committed a 'string of burglaries' at a student accommodation block.
On one occasion, the burglaries at the student accommodation happened alongside Reynolds.
They also are reported to have burgled a block of business offices in Cannon Street, Bristol, where he made off with several high-value laptops.
The court also heard how on 11 March, James and Reynolds stole a bike and parcels from a block of flats in Lewins Mead, Bristol.
Five days later, James returned on his own to the same flats and raided the post room twice in 20 minutes, making off with several parcels in bags and suitcases (shown in the video above). He put a coat on the second occasion in a bid to hide his identity.
Reynolds was linked to three of the incidents - the shoplifting incident in October last year, the burglary from a student block in February and a burglary Lewins Mead burglary in March.
Investigating officer, PC Hannah Baynham, said: "Through witnesses and good quality CCTV, we were able to link James and Reynolds' series of crimes and hold them to account for the impact they have had on the victims.
"Burglary and robbery are extremely seriously crimes and we recognise the profound impact offences can have on victims, leaving them feeling unsafe in their homes and workplaces.
"James is dangerous and it is clear from the extent of his offending, that he has no awareness of the impact his actions have had on the lives of others.
"I hope his sentence will be welcomed by his victims and I hope Reynolds makes the most of her rehabilitation activities."